Monarch Mountain, which depends 100% on natural snowfall, will kick off the 2016/2017 season on Friday, Dec. 2! The base lodge and rental shop will open at 8 a.m. and the lifts will start turning at 9 a.m.

“The storms that passed over the Continental Divide on Thanksgiving weekend really gave us something to be thankful for,” said Jeffery Martin, vice president of sales and marketing at Monarch Mountain. “We are thrilled to kick off the season this Friday, and welcome old and new faces to our mountain. Leading up to opening day, the trail crews will be out in full force, packing, grooming, signing and roping to get the mountain ready.”

Recent storms cycles dropped 20 inches of fresh powder on Monarch Mountain in the last seven days alone, bringing the year-to-date total to 42 inches. However, given the recent snow, skiers and riders should still expect limited terrain and early season conditions. While Sleepy Hollow and Gunbarrel will be open on Friday, additional lifts and runs are expected to open to skiers and snowboarders on Dec. 2, and will be announced on the Monarch website in the afternoon on Thursday, Dec. 1.

Season pass holders who still need to sign a 2016/2017 waiver, or have a new picture taken can save time by visiting the downtown Salida office (123 N. F Street) Nov. 28 through 30, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Guest Services desk in the main lodge will also offer the same services on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Season passes are still available for the 2016/2017 season and can be purchased onlineor in-person at Guest Services.